Zimbabwe: “Only to believe messages from Official Channels concerning the First Family” (29.12.2017)

Zimbabwe: Press Statement by the Acting Chief Secretary to the Assignment of Functions to Honourable Vice President of the Republic of Zimbabwe (29.12.2017)

RDC: UJANA – “19 Decembre 2016 – 19 Decembre 2017” (20.12.2017)

SPLM-IO: “Press Release: The Agreeement on CoH and Humanitarian Matters on South Sudan” (20.12.2017)

Message from the Heads of Churches of South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC), Kampala, Uganda 20th December 2017

One Year Later: How come Kabila is still there?

I am just boggled. The last term of President Joseph Kabila was over on the 19th December 2016. This after he assumed the Presidency temporarily from 26th January 2001. His first election was in 2006 and was inaugurated on 6th December 2006. Second election was more controversial and was sworn-in on the 20th December 2011. Therefore, the last day of his last 5 year term would be on the 19th December 2016.

Since then the elections has been postponed, there was supposed to be elections in November 2016. However, that never appeared and never happen. It was a ghost in the machine, a nothing and non-story, only with United Kingdom aid for Commission Electorale Nationale Indépendante (CENI), who was supposed to hold the elections. That never occurred.

Kabila has since then used any excuse and used violence for against his own people. There been speculations and also reports that he has hired militias to create insecurity. So that he can postpone the elections. If it is M23 soldiers fleeing from Rwanda and Uganda. If its ADF-NALU. The deaths and massacres in Kasai-Orientale, the starving people and lack of governance. Shows the state of affairs. The mass graves in Beni and Kasai. Should worry anyone, but Kabila seems cold about it all. Indifference. Like it doesn’t matter.

The Constitution made in 2005 for the Third Republic was clear, a President has a possibility of two terms. These has been done and he got leeway, since the temporary care-taker time between 2001-2006 didn’t count in. In normal 5 years terms, that should have counted, but it was brushed off. With the deadly Second-Congo War going on until 2003. It is natural that he skated this off.

We know now that he is stalling for time, that the pressure of CENCO or others are not helping. Since opposition was agreeing on a deal at the end of 2016. Where elections would happen in 2017. Now that its just days left. We know that this will not happen. There are no end in sight of his reign. He will hire mercenaries. He will hire militias and use all sort of tricks. Doesn’t matter how many who dies or how much insecurity it brings. As long as he is ruling.

Since he cannot rule with the Constitution. He didn’t change the term limit in the Constitution. Kabila didn’t even try, not that he should do so, but he hasn’t had the effort or felt the need. Kabila has the economy and army behind him. Even if he are creating trouble and also letting the militias run wild in areas. Also, making secret deals with mining corporations and other multi-national corporations to earn fortunes on the minerals and resources in the Republic. That should be violation on its own, maybe the reason why he fears for leaving, as well for the all people that has been ghosted because of his will and decrees.

There are enough enemies and enough citizens who has a case against Kabila. He should know that he has overreached and used his position for ill-gains. Kabila is now living on borrowed time. He is President without any election or any legitimacy. Kabila is just running the Republic and stalling for time. Playing a cat and mouse game with the insecurity, while trying to fool the Civil Society Organizations and Opposition Parties. Also, trying to mock the International Community who wants a change.

This will not come with Kabila. Kabila just wants to stay and continue to loot the Republic. Like every single leader has done since Independence. Lumumba didn’t, but Mobutu and Laurent Kabila did. However, they we’re all toppled with a armed overthrow. Seemingly, the same has to happen with Kabila. He is not interested in stepping down and give the mantle to the next. Peace.

LUCHA: “#2018SansKabila: Appel a des manifestations populaires ininterrompues a partir du 29 decembre 2017 jusqu au depart de Kabila et tous ses complices – Declaration LUCHA/2017043” (19.12.2017)

UN OCHA: Humanitarian Coordinator Gravely Concerned over Six Missing Aid Workers in South Sudan (19.12.2017)

Communique of the 59th Extra-Ordinary Session of IGAD Council of Ministers on the Situation in South Sudan, Adiss Ababa, December 17, 2017 (17.12.2017)

Zimbabwe: “Press Statement by the Commander Zimbabwe National Army: Leutenant General Phillip Valerio Sibanda” (18.12.2017)